Ridgeford to create Ken Shuttleworth designed flats and penthouses

Ridgeford Properties Ltd has been awarded planning consent by Westminster Council to create more than 22,000 sq ft (2,043 sq m) of high specification flats and penthouses at 10 Weymouth Street in the heart of Marylebone, London W1, designed by Ken Shuttleworth’s architecture practice - Make.

Ridgeford will create twelve new luxury flats aimed at owner-occupiers including three spectacular 2,000 sq ft penthouses. Start on site is planned for October 2007 with completion scheduled for March 2009. The site which occupies a corner plot, is an extension to Ridgeford¹s existing building ­ branded ‘10 Weymouth St’ - which consists of 19 high specification rental apartments over five floors and 4,004 sq ft (372 sq m) of office space let to the Architects Registration Board.

As part of the new development, Ridgeford will create a new sixth floor level on the existing building and extend to the rear of the site towards Bridford Mews to create a further 1500 sq ft of office space at ground floor level. The rear of the site, which overlooks the RIBA head office and its restaurant terrace, is to be clad in brass and features glass bay pods to maximise light and space.

The development will also incorporate a range of environmental features including a green meadow roof and heating and cooling will be via a ground source heat pump system.

Ridgeford will be employing the same strategy of quality over quantity as its Ironmonger Row (EC1) site that saw the developer reduce 24 standard flats to 14 premium flats to capitalise on the demand in the luxury owner-occupier market.

Earlier this year as part of a Public Private Partnership with the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Ridgeford in joint venture with Manhattan Loft Corporation, applied for planning consent for a 19,500 sq m (209,898 sq ft), mixed-use development at 41 ­ 51 Bolsover Street, London W1. The HOK designed scheme will provide a 2,500 sq m (26,910 sq ft) medical facility; 77 high quality private apartments; 33 affordable apartments and 300 sq m (3,229 sq ft) of offices.

Chris Murray, Ridgeford managing director said, “Good design is at the core of Ridgeford’s philosophy. From experience, we have learnt that owner-occupiers are willing to pay a premium for larger than average apartments with the highest quality design. Marylebone has undergone huge change over the past 5 years and we believe there is still a way to go – by extending and enhancing the current building, we will unlock the site’s true potential by providing generous size, high specification apartments whilst meeting the latest environmental and sustainable criteria for the benefit of all.”